The U.S. Africa Command has confirmed the deployment of a small team of American troops to Nigeria following an agreement between both countries, amid heightened military cooperation.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that a small team of U.S. troops has been deployed to Nigeria, marking an official acknowledgment of American military presence in the country since airstrikes were carried out on Christmas Day on the directive of President Donald Trump. Trump had warned at the time that further military action could follow.
The confirmation also comes amid reports that the United States had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria. Speaking to reporters, the head of AFRICOM, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the deployment was the outcome of an agreement between Washington and Abuja aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation.
According to Anderson, the collaboration has expanded to include specialised support from the U.S. military. He said, “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.” He, however, declined to provide additional details about the nature or scope of the mission.